Todd's paralysis
Temporary focal weakness or paralysis following a seizure, typically lasting minutes to hours, helping to localize the seizure focus.
Full Definition
Todd's paralysis, also known as Todd's paresis, is a transient neurological deficit that occurs in the postictal period following focal seizures. Named after Robert Bentley Todd, this phenomenon involves temporary weakness, paralysis, or sensory loss in body regions corresponding to the seizure focus. The paralysis typically resolves within 24-48 hours but can occasionally persist longer. Recognition of Todd's paralysis is crucial for distinguishing postictal deficits from stroke or other structural lesions, and its presence can help localize the epileptogenic zone for surgical planning.
Usage
Usage note: Possessive form with apostrophe. Named after Robert Bentley Todd.
In Context
- "The patient's left arm weakness was attributed to Todd's paralysis following the witnessed tonic-clonic seizure." — Emergency department evaluation
- "Todd's paralysis resolved completely within six hours, confirming the postictal nature of the deficit." — Neurological follow-up note